I am in the process of installing a ZZ4 cam and the mechanic who is helping me said with that cam I'll need a performance torque converter. He said with that cam my car will have no power at low RPMs. I just wanted to know if the 700R4 tranney will compinsate for this, what I mean is it has such a low first gear that it the cam shouldn't hurt low RPM performance and launching from a stop. I also have 3.73 rear end. One last question what exactly does a performance converter do? Thanks for your help.


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88 Formula 350
Upper and Lower SuperRam, 1000 CFM Accel Throttle Body, 24# Motorsport Injectors, Custom Burned PROM, Larger Gutted Mass Sensor, MSD 6a box, Flowmaster Muffler, Homemade Cold Air induction, TB Bypass, B&M shift Kit, 160* Thermostat, ZZ4 cam

 

A higher-stall torque converter will always help a modified engine. Its just a matter of picking the right stall speed. For a cheapie route, get a stock Corvette converter, they're 2000 RPMs. It doesnt matter what year, 88 is good since thats what you have. For a better one, get something like 2400 rpms.

A torque converter lets the engine rev up to its stall speed before it applies full power to the transmission. Its like revving up to any RPM with a manual trans before dumping the clutch. An engine will make more power at 2400 rpms than 1600 rpms. So the car launches harder and faster. Does that make sense?


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1991 Camaro Z28
5.7L 5-Speed (originally 305)
317 RWHP, 418 RWTQ
13.23 @ 107.62 MPH
Southern California
Member: SoCal 3rd Gen F-Bodies
Member: SoCal F-Bodies
-=ICON Motorsports=-

 

Thanks, Kevin. Yes, that makes sence. How hard is it to install one? I imagine the hardest part would be dropping the Tranney. Right??

 

That's it, dropping the tranny... And also making sure you properly install the new torque converter (all the way into the transmission)

I know lots of people who pushed the torque converter straight on, then used the bellhousing bolts to 'draw' the trans up to the motor, breaking the pump in the process.